Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on proposed amendments to the $60.9 billion fiscal year 2026 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025, which Gov. Maura Healey signed into law on July 4. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

$350,000 for YWCAs (S 3)

The Senate, 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YWCAs across the state by $350,000 (from $650,000 to $1 million).

Supporters said the amendment would provide critical funding to support the YWCA’s programs that serve at-risk girls and young women throughout the state. They argued that these funds will help the YWCA expand outreach efforts and strengthen essential programming.

“I sponsored [the] amendment as I have seen firsthand the transformative impact the YWCA has on the lives of young women and girls,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Robyn Kennedy, D-Worcester. “At a time when adolescent girls are facing alarming rates of violence, mental health struggles and social pressure, we must invest in the support systems that uplift and empower them.”

A “Yes” vote is for the additional $350,000.

Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes

Sen. Paul Mark — Yes

$700,000 for YMCAs (S 3)

The Senate, 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YMCAs across the state by $700,000 (from $1.8 million to $2.5 million).

Supporters said the amendment will support YMCA programs that address the well-being and social-emotional health of at-risk youth. They argued that funding will go directly to all 28 YMCAs and 700 service locations across Massachusetts to serve and support more low-income youth in mental health and social-emotional learning programs. They noted that funding will also go toward scholarships for middle-income families who do not qualify for subsidies and support summer jobs for youth and teens.

“Social-emotional learning helps our young people feel more connected to their peers and their community,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem. “This funding is vital to upholding the good this program does for our young people, assisting them in living full, healthy and happy lives, regardless of their background.”

A “Yes” vote is for the additional $700,000.

Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes

Sen. Paul Mark — Yes

Pregnancy aid (S 3)

The Senate, 39-0, approved an amendment that supporters say would ensure consistency between existing state law and budgetary language regarding eligibility for cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance throughout a medically verified pregnancy.

“Cash assistance helps pregnant people access prenatal care and meet basic needs like housing and food security during all stages of pregnancy, improving maternal and infant health outcomes,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch, D-Needham. “Also implemented in more than a dozen other states, this policy uplifts both moms and babies while reducing overall health care costs. It’s a win-win.”

A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.

Sen. Joanne Comerford — Yes

Sen. Paul Mark — Yes

Also up on Beacon HillBan use of cellphones in schools (S 2549)

The Education Committee has recommended passage of a bill that would ban student use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities.

The policy may include exceptions for school and student health and safety; students with disabilities; student time spent off-campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; multilingual learners; permission from a teacher or other staff member; emergencies; and any other reasonable exception.

The policy must include methods for parents and students to be able to contact one another during the school day if necessary; enforcement provisions; and may differ for students in different grade levels.

Supporters say that students perform better academically when they are not distracted by cellphones and other personal devices during school hours. They cite one study that links cellphone use with increased stress, anxiety and depression; poorer sleep; and decreased self-esteem. They note that another study showed that students who were not using their cellphones wrote down 62% more in their notes, were able to recall more detailed information, and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on their tests. They note that less time on screens encourages face-to-face interactions that can help increase meaningful relationships with peers, develop emotional intelligence, create more of a community within a school and lead to less bullying.

Education Committee Senate chair Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, said he expects the bill to be up in the Senate for debate and a vote by the end of July.

“There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cellphone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship-building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies, and more,” Lewis said. “According to Pew Research, 72% of high school teachers find cellphones a ‘major problem’ in the classroom; and numerous studies have shown the many benefits to student learning and growth by removing cellphones from their educational environment.”

Lewis continued, “We have growing support for action from teachers, students, advocates and state leaders such as Gov. Healey, Senate President [Karen] Spilka and Attorney General [Andrea] Campbell, and I am very hopeful to see quick movement on this bill as it continues through the legislative process.”

Ban corporal punishment in private schools (H 625)

Another measure before the Education Committee would ban private schools from using corporal punishment on any students. It also would require private schools to submit reports to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of physical restraint in instances where it was necessary to protect students. Current law only prohibits the use of corporal punishment in public schools.

“I was horrified to learn, through the advocacy of a constituent, that corporal punishment was still permitted in private educational institutions,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Kushmerek, D-Fitchburg. “As a recent father, I shudder to think of any educator or staff member disciplining students through the use of force. I strongly believe, and ample data and research validate, that corporal punishment is both ineffective and cruel, and should be banned from all educational settings in the commonwealth.”

Virtual driver’s ed (H 3661/S 2411)

Legislation heard by the Transportation Committee would authorize the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to allow some driver’s education schools to teach aspiring drivers online rather than in person. The law would only apply to driving schools that own or lease a physical office or classroom within the state; have been in business for at least three consecutive years; and are in good standing with the RMV.

“Massachusetts law requires young drivers under 18 years old to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction, and parents must complete a two-hour workshop,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem. “Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these classes were only offered in person, creating barriers for students who had after-school jobs, participated in school sports or had no transportation to the classes. During the pandemic, driving schools were permitted to offer driver’s ed classes in an online format, which has proven to be effective and successful.”

“I filed this bill in collaboration with the American Automobile Association (AAA) to expand accessibility to driving school,” said House sponsor Rep. Carole Fiola, D-Fall River. “This curriculum was provided during the pandemic and was proven to be a great resource for students.”

Junior drivers (H 3611)

Another bill before the Transportation Committee would enhance regulations and safety requirements for junior operators (drivers under 18 years old).

Provisions require all high schools to annually provide a seminar on the dangers of texting while driving and makes attendance mandatory for all students; require applicants for a junior operator’s license to submit a letter of good standing from their school principal or designated school official; and increase the fine and length of license suspension for various violations by a junior driver.

Supporters said the bill introduces educational, administrative and enforcement changes aimed at promoting responsible driving habits among young drivers.

“This legislation aims to protect the safety of young drivers and the public by promoting early education, reinforcing responsible driving behavior and establishing clearer consequences for violations,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers, D-Quincy. “By strengthening the junior operator licensing process, we can help prevent avoidable accidents and save lives.”

Prohibit buying alcohol at self-checkout (H 366)

The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a proposal that would prohibit customers from buying alcoholic beverages in a self-checkout line at retailers and require the sale be conducted through a face-to-face transaction with a store employee over the age of 18.

“This bill is about keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors,” said sponsor Rep. Mike Finn, D-West Springfield. “By requiring face-to-face transactions, we ensure that a trained employee checks IDs every time, closing a loophole that’s made it too easy for underage buyers to slip through at self-checkouts. It’s a commonsense step to promote public safety and responsible alcohol sales.”

Allow alcohol sales on Thanksgiving (H 428)

Another measure heard by the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure would allow for the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving.

“This is a commonsense bill that is intended to be a convenience to the public,” said sponsor Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick. “How many of us have needed to pick up a bottle of wine on Thanksgiving, only to find out that liquor stores were closed? Stores wouldn’t have to be open — it would be their option. The current law is a vestige of the blue laws and needs to be repealed.”

Ban state funding for Planned Parenthood (H 1389)

The Public Health Committee held a hearing on a measure that would prohibit the use of state funds for Planned Parenthood.

“Planned Parenthood is a non-government nonprofit that has broad and significant capacity to generate revenue through private fundraising from individuals who support its mission,” said sponsor Rep. Joseph McKenna, R-Sutton. “According to its annual 2023-2024 report, it raised over $684.1 million from private contributions. Additionally, Planned Parenthood is exceedingly active politically. I do not believe that any organization or nonprofit engaging in such overt and direct political actions, while also maintaining the ability to raise significant funds through private contributions, should be paid by taxpayer-funded earmarks — especially one whose primary mission is as extraordinarily divisive and controversial as Planned Parenthood’s mission of providing abortions.”

“The public funding of abortion has received majority support in the Massachusetts Legislature since the repeal of the Doyle/Flynn law in 1996,” said C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts. “Realistically, there is no path forward for Rep. McKenna’s proposal. Nonetheless, the issue ought to be raised.”

Doyle continued, “The Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is the principal perpetrator of abortions in the commonwealth. According to a July 3 story in The Boston Globe, it was responsible for 9,462 abortions in the state in 2024. Pro-life citizens of the Bay State understand that abortion is the deliberate destruction of innocent human life. These citizens are forced, through the use of their tax dollars, to subsidize procedures [that] offend their consciences and [that] contravene their sincerely held moral principles and religious beliefs. One possible benefit of a public debate on taxpayer support for Planned Parenthood is that it might finally oblige the leadership of the Catholic Church — after five decades of silence — to confront the fact that a majority of Catholics in the Legislature support a practice [that] their religion describes as an abominable crime.”

Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, and the groups Reproductive Equity Now and Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, all supporters of pro-choice, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them to comment on McKenna’s bill.